Texas Rebels: Paxton. Linda Warren

      “Is that what she is?” His lips twitched into a smile and she found herself smiling back.

      “Yes, she is, and she likes you, so count that as a blessing.”

      “It’s hard to believe Miss Bertie and my mom are friends. I didn’t even know about the Elvis club.”

      “I think it’s nice to stay young in your heart.”

      “Mmm. I think the feud is fading in some ways.”

      “Why do you say that?” she asked.

      “My brother Phoenix married Rosemary McCray in December.”

      “Gran told me and I thought it was awesome. She also said that Uncle Ira had disowned Rosemary.”

      “Yes. He married her off to a man twice her age and he abused her. Finally she had the courage to get out and make a life for herself, and still Ira wouldn’t accept her back into the family.”

      “She’s my first cousin and I’d love to meet her. Gran said I have lots of cousins and I haven’t met any of them.”

      “I can tell you for certain that Rosie—that’s what everyone calls her—would love to meet you. She’s that kind of person, sweet, loving and giving. And beautiful.”

      “Do you have a crush on her?”

      He laughed out loud and the sound echoed through the trees. The geese squawked and flapped around in the water at the interruption. It was in the forties, but his laugh warmed her through and through.

      “The Rebel boys made a pact a long time ago to stay away from each other’s girlfriends. Actually, it was something our father told us to do—to never go against our brothers.”

      He scooted on the bench to face her. “I think you’re avoiding telling me what happened to you. You’ve talked around it, but you haven’t actually said why you’re so weak.”

      She clasped her hands in her lap. “Maybe because it makes me sound impulsive and immature.”

      He poked a finger into his chest. “You’re looking at Mr. Immature.”

      “I can’t believe that. You always seem so confident and in control.”

      “Oh, man, I used to think that way, too. There’s nothing like being knocked off my pedestal. I’ve led a pretty selfish life riding the rodeo circuit, drinking and partying. And then there were the girls.”

      “I can imagine.”

      “Okay, don’t get snotty. What I’m going to tell you is going to change the way you think of me.”

      “How do you know I think about you?” She blinked. “Oh, you think I might have a crush on you because every girl you meet does.”

      He frowned. “No, it’s not that. It’s about immaturity. My immaturity.”

      She settled back and listened.

      “I had this high school girlfriend and we dated for years and then I started riding the circuit and we didn’t see each other that often. And then there were a lot of girls all chasing after me. I cheated on Jenny and slept with other girls. I felt bad about it and told her and you know what she did?”

      “I don’t have a clue.”

      “She forgave me.”

      “She must really love you to be that forgiving.”

      “I lost my father about the same time Jenny lost her mother and we had a connection because of that. We consoled each other and cried together, but it wasn’t love. Jenny and I were just best friends. I met this actress in Los Angeles and I asked her to marry me. And I didn’t tell Jenny. She was devastated with the news. I was a jackass because I couldn’t tell her the truth.”

      “You’re a jerk.”

      His eyes crinkled mischievously. “Oh, but this has a happy ending.”

      Was he married? She hadn’t even thought of that. She’d swallowed hard. “She forgave you again.”

      “No. There’s just so much a woman will take and Jenny had reached her limit. My brother Quincy was there to console her.”

      “I thought you said the Rebel boys didn’t—”

      “Yeah, but in this instance it was right. They fell in love, and when I found out, I acted like a fool and hit Quincy. Now, if you knew Quincy you’d know he has a soft heart, but he wasn’t going to walk away and let me have Jenny. The truth is Jenny didn’t want me anymore and I realized I didn’t want her, either. We just kept holding on to that relationship for some reason and it wasn’t working. We both knew that and we finally said goodbye. Quincy and Jenny got married and they’re expecting their first child in March.”

      The relief she felt at his words was insane. Why would she care that he wasn’t married? She couldn’t imagine any woman giving up Paxton, though. He was just too charming and handsome. But what woman enjoyed being cheated on? Remi certainly didn’t. Her dream man was a cad. And a Rebel.

      He leaned closer. “So, you see, I win on the immaturity thing, but I’ve turned over a new leaf and I’m trying to make better decisions for the future. Do you think a bad boy can change?”

      She met the gleam in his eyes with a strength she didn’t know she possessed. There was something about the mischief deep in his eyes that changed her whole way of thinking. But she had enough sense not to let it show.

      “No.”